Rumor: ‘Deadpool 2’ Might Be Adding a Few More ‘X-Force’ Characters (Updated)

We’ve known for some time now that Fox’s plans for the, uh, edgier corner of the X-Menmovie universe include Deadpool 2 and X-Force, with the former setting up the latter by way of introducing key characters Cable (Josh Brolin) and Domino (Atlanta’s Zazie Beetz). According to a new rumor, the Merc With a Mouth’s highly-anticipated sequel could lay some additional groundwork, as Fox may be looking to cast a few more X-Force members in Deadpool 2. Potential spoilers ahead!

But first, an update from Deadpool and Deadpool 2 co-writer Rhett Reese, who took to Twitter to deny the rumor:

We’ve seen a significant increase in filmmakers (especially those involved with superhero projects — the ultimate rumor fodder) addressing and debunking rumors, and occasionally railing against sites for running them in the first place. Director James Mangold recently used Twitter to call out a journalist for reporting a completely inaccurate rumor about Logan, using the opportunity to highlight how this particular segment of film journalism is doing more harm than good. (I know, it seems strange for me to side with Mangold after publishing this Deadpool 2 rumor, but in all fairness, it was an item of interest to our readers, and I plainly expressed doubts about its validity.)

Original story below…

The rumor comes from ComicBook.com, which claims that Fox is casting three additional X-Force members to appear in a post-credits scene in Deadpool 2: Feral, Sunspot and Shatterstar. This follows yesterday’s report (via Omega Underground) that production on the sequel has been delayed a week, pushed back from June 19 to June 25 — not a particularly notable development, but given the latest rumor, it’s possible that Fox required a slight shift in the production schedule to accommodate for additional last-minute casting.

Feral is a cat-like character who possesses healing abilities and hails from New York, while Sunspot (previously played by Adan Canto in X-Men: Days of Future Past) is a Brazilian mutant who harnesses the power for additional strength and protection. Shatterstar comes from the planet Mojoworld (yeah, really), and possesses enhanced cognition and healing abilities, superhuman strength, and the power to create teleportation portals with swords.

As far as rumors go, it’s a fairly believable one: Fox spent months searching for the perfect actor to play Cable, someone who not only needs to have great chemistry with Ryan Reynolds, but could headline a film of his very own. The studio ultimately landed on Josh Brolin, reportedly signing him to a multi-film contract that includes Deadpool 2 and X-Force.

But because Fox dedicated a lot of time to finding the right actors for Cable and Domino, it seems a bit odd that they’d be looking to hastily cast three more X-Force stars now, just a little over a month out from filming Deadpool 2.

David Leitch (John Wick) is directing the Deadpool sequel, which also features returning stars T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Morena Baccarin and Leslie Uggams. Deadpool 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on June 1, 2018.